And the manager has gone on to mastermind an 18-match unbeaten run that goes back to December 19.

So how much does Wilder deserve the imminent title success?

“Everyone at the football club deserves it,” Thomas said.

“When you’re on 87 points with six games to go, there’s not a person in the club who doesn’t deserve the promotion: the players, the staff and the manager - they’re all part of it.

“The key to Chris and the reason we work well together is because we have the same sort of feeling. It’s not about Chris, it’s not about me, it’s not about Ricky Holmes, it’s not about Rico (Marc Richards), it’s about everyone.

“You don’t see Chris running around celebrating with his manager of the month awards and you won’t see me on the pitch with a scarf on.

“It’s not about us. It’s about the collective team and everyone around.”

Trending

Northampton's best GP surgeries for making an appointment, according to their patients

The 15 areas in Northampton with highest reports of violent and sexual offences - how does your area compare?

Shocking dashcam footage shows lorry smash into car on M1

Road remains closed after fire in Northampton flat overnight

15 of the best Sunday lunches in and around Northampton according to TripAdvisor